Stages of learning
Children learning English as an additional language may:
- be silent
- mix words from both languages (code switch)
- make many grammatical errors
These features are normal when acquiring a new language and do not necessarily indicate language delay. You could use the following strategies to help children at different stages of additional language development:
1. Chatters in home language
The child wants to communicate but is not yet fully aware that others do not understand or speak the same language. Keep talking and involving the child in activities with other children and adults. Talk one to one in context and use routine phrases, e.g. wash your hands.
2. Silent period
The child uses gestures such as nodding and smiling to communicate but is not confident that they know enough English to speak. Keep talking and involving the child in activities with other children and adults. Teach words in context and reinforce phrases from routines. Accept any attempts to speak.
3. Single words or routine phrases
The child practices the vocabulary learnt through play as well as familiar routine phrases such as 'tidy up time'. Use what the child says to extend and model language, e.g. 'Car' - 'Yes, you've got a blue car'. Remember to give lots of praise.
4. Make own phrases and sentences
The child uses learnt words to construct their own phrases, e.g. 'Ali want do cars'. Accept all the child says and remodel phrases without criticism, 'Yes Ali, you can play with the cars.' Remember to give lots of praise.
The process of learning an additional language can take several years. For children entering a setting where a different language is spoken it can take three months for them to begin to understand. It may take two years before they can hold a conversation and up to seven years to have full cognitive understanding of the new language.